Governor's Golfing Not Quite Up To Par At Brevard Benefit

Appearing at the LaCita Country Club for Cris Collinsworth's Celebrity Scramble for Youth, the governor bounced his first three shots into a lake 25 yards from the tee as a gallery of 75 watched.

''There are plenty of balls,'' coached Collinsworth, a wide receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals football team and the tournament's founder.

Undaunted, Martinez teed up a fourth time and, after posing in midswing for a photographer, skidded a ball to the fairway of the 490-yard, par-5 first hole.

The fifth annual tournament, running through Sunday and featuring nine National Football League players, is expected to raise $15,000. The money will support college scholarships and youth athletic programs.

At Collinsworth's invitation, Martinez made a 45-minute stop at the country club before flying to Cape Canaveral to announce his plans for a commercial spaceport in Brevard County.

By way of introduction in the clubhouse, Collinsworth said he had driven ceremonial first balls into the water the past three years and wanted to start this tournament with a straight shooter.

''So I called the governor,'' he said.

Wearing a pink Ralph Lauren shirt and gray checked trousers, Martinez said he was pleased to help a worthy cause. But he gave himself an out before picking up a club.

''The part about hitting the ball and keeping it out of the water traps is something else,'' he said.

On the course, Martinez let his fourth shot lie unplayed. Rather than press his luck, he headed for the safety of the locker room and a business suit.